Bears Pass on Supplemental Draft

Scout.com

07/14/2006

It would have been a surprise if general manager Jerry Angelo decided to forfeit a draft pick in next year's selection process for the right to take Ahmad Brooks. However, the team that did take the former Virginia linebacker could be classified as a minor upset.

The Bengals took Ahmad Brooks with the 22nd pick in the third round of the supplemental draft. The team will now surrender their third round selection in the April 2007 draft.

The six-foot-4, 260-pounder is considered a first-round talent with serious character issues, which is why he slid to the third round. A USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year coming out of high school in Woodbridge, Va., Brooks had 234 tackles, 13 sacks, 31 quarterback pressures and 21 tackles-for-loss in three years with the Cavaliers.

Cincinnati had not been viewed as serious contenders for the services of the big linebacker, even though, as Scout.com reported on June 23rd, Bengals linebacker coach Ricky Hunley ran a large part of Brooks pro-day workout. Recent off-the-field incidents of young players such as Chris Henry and A.J. Nicholson coupled with the documented problems of Brooks makes this pick is even more surprising. It was also learned Thursday that Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The Bears could have taken the opportunity to select Brooks, which would have given him a year to develop and learn the system. Then if Lance Briggs leaves via free agency, Brooks would have been prepared to step in. All signs point to Angelo never really seriously contemplating taking Brooks.

While no other player was selected in the draft, it turned out to be a five team race for the services Texas fullback Ahmard Hall. The Tennessee Titans beat out the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants and Green Bay Packers to acquire Hall.

In the end it was not money but the best opportunity to play at the next level that had Hall signing with the Titans. Norm Chow envisions Hall as a big pass catcher out of the backfield and the only other fullback Hall must contend with to make the roster is Troy Fleming.

Hutchinson Community College star David Dixon should be signed within the next 24-to-48 hours. The teams presently negotiating for his services are the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans.

Dixon's pro-day workout was a bit disappointing but early this week he completed an individual workout running the forty in 4.50/4.49, completing 24-reps on the bench and turning in a 37-inch vertical jump at 240-pounds.